Ukraine Targets Russian E-commerce Giants Wildberries and Ozon with Drone Strikes
Ukraine has launched a series of drone strikes targeting the logistics hubs of Russia's two largest online retailers, Wildberries and Ozon. In Yekaterinburg, a Ukrainian drone struck a Wildberries logistics hub, causing damage to several apartment buildings and injuring four people. Sverdlovsk region Governor Denis Pasler confirmed the strike occurred near the logistics center, noting that while the facility itself remained undamaged, debris from the attack caused shattered windows and minor damage to residential areas. Simultaneously, Ukraine has targeted Ozon facilities in several regions. In Belgorod, a missile strike hit an Ozon sorting center and delivery hub, causing a major fire at a nearby thermal power plant and resulting in casualties. The attack in Belgorod forced Ozon to temporarily cease operations in the oblast. Additionally, drone strikes have been reported at Ozon facilities in the Samara region and the Rostov Oblast. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated that these systematic strikes on storage centers holding dual-use goods are intended to disrupt Russian logistics and negatively impact the economy. President Vladimir Putin noted that Ukraine has opened a "Pandora's box" by targeting economic sectors, and he pledged to respond by hitting Kyiv's most sensitive economic areas.
Sources
-
Drone Hits High-Rise Apartment Building in Yekaterinburg as Ukraine Targets Wildberries Hub
The Moscow Times
-
Missile attack on Russia's Belgorod kills two, authorities say; hits Ozon facilities
Reuters
-
Russians report thermal power plant and Ozon warehouses on fire in Belgorod after attack – photo
Українська правда
-
Ukrainian forces reportedly target Wildberries warehouse in Yekaterinburg, over 1,600 kilometers from border
The Kyiv Independent
-
Ukraine is targeting Russia’s retail giants. Ozon is the next economic pressure point
CNBC